Plans are being laid to make this year's Oxfordshire Business of the Year Awards the best in its nine year history.

Over that time the event has grown in stature to the point where last year saw 250 applications -- more than ever before -- in what organisers regard as the most successful year to date.

This time the awards have been freshened up with new categories coming on board as the competition continues to evolve.

So in come Tourism, High Technology, Customer and Staff Care and Manufacturer.

Stephen Dexter, chairman of the organising committee, said: "We wanted to make sure we adapted to generate new applications."

Mr Dexter also wants to see more applications from larger firms and is keen to build on the success of the Oxfordshire Young Business Person of the Year category won last year by Nigel Harris, managing director of Bicester fruit and vegetable wholesaler, Fresh Direct.

The guest speaker at the gala dinner at the Oxford Thames Four Pillars Hotel, Sandford on June 18 will be John Hoy, the recently appointed first chief executive at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock.

Another new element to this year's awards ceremony will be a charity auction which will he held during the dinner to raise funds for the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign.

Shamus Donald, managing director of Newsquest (Oxfordshire), parent company of the Oxford Mail, will make a presentation and proceeds from the table raffle will also go to the campaign.

There are eight categories this year plus the overall Oxfordshire Business of the Year for which entries from all the other categories are considered by judges.

In 2003 this was won by Wallingford-based childrens nursery Child & Co.

The categories are:

High Technology, Tourism, Customer and Staff Care, Manufacturer, Innovation, Growing Business, Oxfordshire Young Business Person of the Year for those under 35 on January 1 and The Oxfordshire Business Person of the Year.

Entry forms are available from Rachel Newman at Grant Thornton on 01865 799899 or e-mail Rachel.M.Newman@gtuk.com. All sponsors will also stock them and they will be available at The Oxford Mail and Times offices in Osney Mead, Oxford and all its district offices.

Alternatively, a version is available on the website at www.oxfordshirebusinessawards.co.uk

All entries must be received by March 8.